Public Board papers 31.03.22

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Individual ward/area key aspects The following tables give a summary of the key feedback from the ward managers. Ward 2 Ward Managers professional judgment (achievements & challenges) • Evolution/development of service Ward 2, as the new elective oncology ward, has significantly improved the flow of elective chemotherapy and interventional radiology patients through the trust. By keeping it as a short stay ward, the beds are readily available at the beginning of the week and therefore preventing a delay and/ or deferral of procedures/ chemotherapy treatments. The prompt start of the chemotherapy on the first day of the cycle results in timely discharges, which in turn reduces bed occupancy and length of stay for these patients. Ward 2 has also taken part in the pilot for ambulatory nasogastric feeding services which targets Head & Neck cancer patients in the early stages of nutritional support in order to avoid emergency admissions. • Achievements/Challenges Patients having chemotherapy and interventional radiology procedures are being nursed in the right place now on Ward 2, receiving the right care at the right time. Nurses are able to spend sufficient time with the patients outside of the complexity of an acute medical ward. They are able to ensure a holistic assessment of the patients’ first chemotherapy treatment by exploring their psychological well-being and apprehension about the proposed treatment plan. Nurses believe they now have sufficient time to deliver this fundamental care and the patients are very appreciative of this. Patients admitted to Ward 2 are often at the same stage of their cancer journey and are able to share experiences with each other and forge friendships. Additionally, the nurses on Ward 2 are receiving supplementary training for the post-procedure care of radiology patients and are liaising closely with the radiology team to provide the best possible care and efficient patient discharges. A new Practice Education Facilitator (PEF) has recently been appointed to assist with this. Our clinical environment on Ward 2 continues to be a challenge. The lack of natural light in some areas of the ward is a particular concern to patients and can have a negative impact on their mental wellbeing. The completion of a Task and Finish group for the care of patients with an altered airway has seen a positive response with regards to collaborative, inter-professional and proactive working; with the focus on patients being admitted to the Trust and specifically Ward 4. A policy has been developed for the management of inpatients with an altered airway where advanced planning and preparations can be made including consideration of nurse to patient ratio and acuity. This is now evolving into a steering group. The Nurse led clerking of patients receiving iodine treatment is now in place, which has reduced the waiting times that patients were experiencing at the beginning of treatment. This SOP is due to be reviewed later this year to assess outcomes. • Challenges Ward 4 Ward Managers professional judgment (achievements & challenges) • Evolution/development of service

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